
Planning to apply?
Download a copy of our step-by-step guide to help you apply to USC.
Our application for fall is open — and we can’t wait to read yours!
Complete either the USC Application or the Common App. Choose the application that you are most comfortable submitting. There is no advantage in the admission process to using one application over the other.
Download a copy of our step-by-step guide to help you apply to USC.
All freshman applicants must submit the following credentials:
You'll provide your high school courses/grades for your senior year only, choose your first and second-choice majors, complete the essay, and list your extracurricular activities, honors and awards. You will also decide whether you want us to consider your ACT/SAT scores in the review process.
All information submitted with your application will be used to determine admission and merit-based scholarship award decisions.
Regardless of which application you select, you must pay the nonrefundable $65 application fee or use an ACT, College Board, NACAC, SCOIR, or Common App application fee waiver, if eligible.
Upload a legible unofficial copy of your high school transcript in JPG or PDF format. After you submit the application, we’ll review your uploaded transcript and let you know if we need an official one. The unofficial transcript must list grades through the end of your junior year and include your full name and high school name. Do not send an official high school transcript to the admissions office unless it is requested.
If you already graduated from high school, request to have your official transcript sent to USC’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
Don't forget to list your senior year courses and credits on the application. You must list the exact amount of credit (full, half, trimester) for each course. You will also need to list all dual enrollment courses you are taking.
We are test-optional for the spring, summer and fall 2024 terms. This means you are not required to submit SAT and/or ACT scores for admission or merit scholarship consideration. You will select “Yes” or “No” on the application to indicate whether you want us to review your test scores as part of the admission process.
If you choose to report your scores on the application, enter the highest scores for the ACT composite and/or the SAT total. If you took either test more than once, we will super score using all tests taken.
USC’s deadline for receipt of test scores is based on the credentials deadline associated with your application type. If test scores are not received by the credentials deadline, your application will be considered on a space-available basis. We require official scores only if you enroll in USC. Our SAT code is 5818 and our ACT code is 3880.
USC will be test-optional through the fall, spring and summer 2024. Review frequently asked questions about USC's test-optional policy.
Freshman applications must be submitted by the following deadlines:
Apply by Oct. 15 and have a complete application filed by Nov. 1 to get an admissions decision in mid-December.
Apply by Nov. 15 and have a complete application filed by Dec. 1 to be considered for Top Scholars awards and the SCHC.
Apply by Dec. 1 and have a complete application filed by Jan. 15 to get an admissions decision by mid-March.
Freshman admission is based primarily on a student’s academic performance. This includes grades earned in core classes in high school, class standing or class rank (if available) and rigor of coursework. The admissions committee evaluates each applicant in that year’s pool and selects applicants based on the following factors:
Students seeking admission as freshmen are expected to meet the minimum college prep high school core course curriculum required by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education.
*Foundations in algebra and intermediate algebra may count together as a substitute for Algebra I if a student successfully completes Algebra II.
**Computer science should involve significant programming content, not simply keyboarding or using applications.
*Courses in general science or introductory science for which one of these four units is not a prerequisite will not meet this requirement.
*Alternative electives include college-preparatory courses in English, fine arts, foreign languages, social science, humanities, mathematics and laboratory science (for which biology, chemistry, physics or earth science is a prerequisite).
High school grades are the most important factor in determining a student's ability to compete for admission to USC. We look for demonstrated academic achievement by reviewing courses and grades, recognizing that different high schools provide different levels of opportunity.
We recommend taking the most challenging coursework available at your high school, provided you can be successful. This includes programs like honors, AP, IB and dual enrollment. Many of these courses also provide opportunities to earn college credit while attending high school.
We suggest reviewing our academic profile as you consider your preferred testing plan. The profile shows the ranges for standardized test scores, high school GPA and class rank for general admission, Capstone Scholars and the South Carolina Honors College.
Part of our review process includes your choice of major. Some majors are more competitive than others based on student interest among the applicant pool and available capacity. That’s why we ask students to list a second-choice major. If you are unsure of your major, you can select “Undeclared” in the College of Arts and Sciences.
The essay is your opportunity to tell us something about yourself that is not already in your application. The purpose is to get to know you better. The best essay topic is going to be the one you are most excited to write about and one that reflects on a personal experience. Make it less about the topic and more about you!
There is one required essay on the application that is reviewed as part of our holistic admissions process. You will choose an essay prompt from the list provided in the application, regardless of application type.
This section allows you to list and explain up to 10 extracurricular activities you’ve been involved in throughout high school. In the description, include your duties, recognitions or leadership roles. Explain the activity and your specific involvement. It’s more about quality than quantity in this section!
All South Carolina students who are ranked in the top 10% of their high school graduating class will be admitted to the University of South Carolina’s Columbia campus starting with the Fall 2024 application cycle.
To be eligible students must:
Program details:
These ranges reflect the middle 50% of the students who were admitted in 2023 and give you a general idea of where you fall within each academic range.
South Carolina Residents | Nonresidents | Capstone Scholars | Honors College |
---|---|---|---|
1150-1330 SAT | 1270-1400 SAT | 1340-1420 SAT | 1430-1520 SAT |
24-30 ACT | 28-32 ACT | 30-32 ACT | 32-34 ACT |
*Test score ranges only include students who chose to have their test scores considered in the admission and scholarship process.
Freshman Class | Capstone Scholars | Honors College |
---|---|---|
4.1 - 4.7 HS GPA | 4.3 - 4.9 HS GPA | 4.5 - 5.1 HS GPA |
7% - 29% Class Rank | 4% - 16% Class Rank | 1% - 5% Class Rank |
* Class rank ranges only include students whose high school provides a ranking.
After you submit the application, you can check your application status on your USC Admissions Portal. You can also request changes to your application. Once we've made a decision on your application, you will receive an email instructing you to check your portal.
Admit - Admitted freshmen have until May 1 to decide to enroll.
Bridge to Carolina - A select group of students will be invited to participate in one of our bridge programs, Gamecock Gateway and Palmetto Pathway.
Waitlist - A limited number of students will be offered a place on the waitlist.
Deny - While freshman admission to USC is not an option, students can become a Gamecock by transferring to USC in a future semester.